VRA and Rafael move to manufacture Spike missile

Varley Rafael Australia (VRA) is continuing to progress its sovereign guided missile capability and its readiness for local manufacture and support of the Spike LR2 anti-tank and anti-personnel guided missile (pictured).

The Spike missile has been selected by the Australian Defence Force and is available in man-portable, vehicle-launched, and helicopter-launched variants.

Varley Rafael Australia (VRA) is a joint venture between the Varley Group and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

Recently VRA hosted Rafael guided weapons subject matter experts and jointly reviewed potential Australian suppliers to further Rafael’s understanding of Australian industry capabilities.

An ‘in-depth visit’ was made to Thales’ Advanced Ordnance manufacturing facility at Mulwala in regional New South Wales, reviewing the potential for Australian warhead and rocket motor production and the options for VRA’s planned Missile Hot Integration facility.

The Rafael personnel were highly impressed with the resident capability and capacity of the Australian suppliers and their readiness to commence Quality Assured Vendor (QAV) certification activities, according to a VRA statement.

“VRA thanks Extel Technologies, Australian Precision Technologies (APT), Hosico Engineering Group (HEG), Cablex and Thales Australia for hosting the visits and showcasing their in-country high technology capabilities.

“VRA is continuing Spike Technical Certification contract with the Commonwealth and looks forward to engagement with further Australian SMEs.”

Picture: Spike missile

Subscribe to our free @AuManufacturing newsletter here.